Sitting in second-last spot on the A-League ladder and staring down the barrel of a hat-trick of losses when they host in-form Melbourne Victory at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, the Roar are under pressure after just seven rounds of the season.

Aloisi is in his fourth season in charge of Brisbane, and not for the first time outsiders are questioning whether he remains the right man for the job or if it’s time for a change.

But Young, the A-League’s reigning goalkeeper of the year, was quick to leap to his defence.

Asked about his own form, Young instead sang Aloisi’s praises.

“I give it my best, 100 per cent, and I’ll tell you now, there are other people in our change room who do as well, so we back this manager (Aloisi) 100 per cent,” Young said.

“For me personally, he’s signed me on contracts, I’ve had goalkeeper of the year under him, he’s given me a chance at life.

“We back him 100 per cent … that’s the only thing I aim for.”

Roar skipper Matt McKay felt Brisbane’s season was yet to go “wrong” despite his side having won just once in seven matches.

“We’re sticking together,” McKay said.

“We’re not going to let any negative messages from people get us down. We’re going to stay strong as a group and we will turn it around.”

“It’s seven games in, so we need to get things right” the former Danish international said.

“We can’t just keep saying it’ll come.
]]>SportsSPosthttp://torrentinvitez.com/showthread.php?44700-Brisbane-Roar-players-behind-embattled-coach-John-Aloisi-says-goalkeeperAaron Mooy suffers a knee injury and could miss Australia’s Asian Cup defencehttp://torrentinvitez.com/showthread.php?44699-Aaron-Mooy-suffers-a-knee-injury-and-could-miss-Australia’s-Asian-Cup-defence&goto=newpost
Wed, 12 Dec 2018 12:09:03 GMTSocceroos star Aaron Mooy has reportedly suffered a knee injury that could see him ruled out of Australia’s Asian Cup defence.
Mooy picked up a...Socceroos star Aaron Mooy has reportedly suffered a knee injury that could see him ruled out of Australia’s Asian Cup defence.

Mooy picked up a knock late in Huddersfield’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal and according to The Australian, was sent for scans which confirmed a medial ligament injury.

The injury has yet to be confirmed.

“Still waiting confirmation on this from the club, as are the Socceroos I can tell you,” Fox Football reporter Daniel Garb told Fox Sports News this morning.

“I spoke to them a moment ago and they’re still waiting for some official confirmation on that before they make any sort of announcement.

“It could be a hammer blow to the Socceroos’ Asian Cup plans, of course the tournament starts January 6 for Australia. Four to six means that Aaron Mooy is almost certainly ruled out of the group stages of the Asian Cup if that is confirmed. Doesn’t mean he will definitely miss the entire tournament though. Graham Arnold could have a big decision to make on this because he could still name him in the squad. Four to six weeks means he could be back still for the knockout stages of the tournament if Australia as expected get through the group.

“So that could be a tricky one when it comes to naming your final 23, Graham Arnold. We know that Spurs star Heung-Min Son, who’s dominating the Premier League at the moment, he’s going to be named in South Korea’s squad but he’s not going to play the group stages either, he’s coming for the knockout stages for them, so that can be done. And that will be a tricky one to work through if he feels as though Mooy will be able to recover.”

The Huddersfield Examiner had reported Mooy had picked up a knock and was in doubt for the Terriers’ upcoming clash with Newcastle.

That time frame would almost certainly see Mooy miss a hefty chunk of Australia’s Asian Cup campaign, which kicks off on January 6 — if not ruled out altogether.

Mooy was not in Ange Postecoglou’s squad that raised the trophy on home soil in 2015.

Meanwhile, playmaker Tom Rogic managed just 62 minutes in Celtic’s 5-1 win over Kilmarnock as he continues to deal with a niggling knee injury.

Were both Mooy and Rogic to be sidelined for the Asian Cup, it would be a significant blow to Graham Arnold’s campaign.

A significant amount of time on the sidelines for Mooy would also have a big effect on Huddersfield’s bid to avoid relegation, with the Terriers currently in the drop zone.
]]>SportsSPosthttp://torrentinvitez.com/showthread.php?44699-Aaron-Mooy-suffers-a-knee-injury-and-could-miss-Australia’s-Asian-Cup-defenceBarcelona preparing world-record bid for Harry Kane, Eden Hazard eyes Manchester Cityhttp://torrentinvitez.com/showthread.php?44698-Barcelona-preparing-world-record-bid-for-Harry-Kane-Eden-Hazard-eyes-Manchester-City&goto=newpost
Wed, 12 Dec 2018 12:08:11 GMTBarcelona are reportedly lining up a world-record bid for the 2018 World Cup Golden Boot winner.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s wantaway superstar says...Barcelona are reportedly lining up a world-record bid for the 2018 World Cup Golden Boot winner.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s wantaway superstar says he’s the missing ingredient for the current Premier League champs.

BARCA LINE UP WORD RECORD FEE FOR ENGLAND SUPERSTAR
Barcelona are reportedly lining up a world-record bid for Harry Kane.

According to The Star, the Tottenham striker is on Barca’s transfer radar and the Catalan giants are prepared to fork out a whopping A$354 million for the England captain.

After winning the Golden Boot at the World Cup last summer, the 25-year-old has bagged 13 goals in 20 appearances so far this season.

Kane might get the perfect chance to impress, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side travelling to the Nou Camp to take on Barcelona in the Champions League - knowing a win would guarantee the North Londoners a place in the knockout stages.

‘THE ONLY THING THEY DON’T HAVE IS HAZARD!’
Wantaway Chelsea star Eden Hazard says he’s the missing ingredient for Manchester City — although the Etihad boss insists an immediate transfer is out of the question.

Pep Guardiola has ruled out a move for Eden Hazard but did admit the Belgian is one of the best players in the world, according to reports from the Evening Standard.

“That is not going to happen. I am agreeing with him. He said I’m so good and I am agreeing with him,” Guardiola told the British paper.

“Switch on the TV and look at him. You realise his qualities. He is one of the best players in the world.”

‘ALL THAT WORK FOR NOTHING’: 10-MAN MAGPIES ROBBED, BOSS CLAIMS ‘WE NEED VAR RIGHT NOW‘
JUVE ‘KEEPING TABS’ ON FORMER EMPLOYEE
According to Tuttosport, Juventus are “keep tabs” on Paul Pogba as his fractured relationship with United boss Jose Mourinho continues to deepen.

The French World Cup winner was dropped by Mourinho in the last two league matches and did not play a single minute in the Red Devils’ 4-1 victory over Fulham over the weekend.

Pogba’s former employer is closely monitoring his situation, as the 25-year-old continues to butt heads with Jose.

With their feud reaching boiling point, United chiefs could look to cash in on the wantaway star as early as January 2019.

UNSETTLED HAMMER EYES MOVE AWAY FROM ENGLAND
Hammers starlet Reece Oxford is on the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs — as he looks to follow in the footsteps of other young English players by seeking a move away from Britain.

The 19-year-old is on Borussia Dortmund’s radar with scouts reportedly turning up to watch him play in West Ham’s Under-23 clash with Chelsea, where he scored the opener.

Dortmund were joined by fellow Bundesliga side Hoffenheim and Premier League champs Manchester City as they watched the unsettled young gun put on a man-of-the-match performance.
]]>SportsSPosthttp://torrentinvitez.com/showthread.php?44698-Barcelona-preparing-world-record-bid-for-Harry-Kane-Eden-Hazard-eyes-Manchester-CityLate bucket caps off wild debut for teenager Wani Swaka Lo Buluk with Perth Wildcatshttp://torrentinvitez.com/showthread.php?44697-Late-bucket-caps-off-wild-debut-for-teenager-Wani-Swaka-Lo-Buluk-with-Perth-Wildcats&goto=newpost
Wed, 12 Dec 2018 12:07:30 GMTWani Swaka Lo Buluk is still pinching himself after becoming the youngest person to play for the Perth Wildcats.
The 17-year-old joined the...Wani Swaka Lo Buluk is still pinching himself after becoming the youngest person to play for the Perth Wildcats.

The 17-year-old joined the Wildcats as a development player last week and was quickly thrust on to the big stage in the dying stages of Sunday’s thumping win over Cairns at RAC Arena.

Captain Damian Martin guaranteed he would have a debut to remember by calling the final play of the game to finish with a Swaka Lo Buluk basket, and both the crowd and Perth’s bench erupted in delight.

“It was pretty exciting,” Swaka Lo Buluk said.

“I realised as soon as he brought us into the huddle that it was the same play that we’d run before and it was for me.

“I was nervous because of the amount of people that were in the arena, but I loved it.

“The team got around me, the crowd got around it and it felt so good.

“I’ve always dreamt of being a professional basketballer.

“Being out there and getting the chance to do something like that was crazy.”

Swaka Lo Buluk was born in Sudan and moved to Perth as a four-year-old.

He attended La Salle College and then spent two years at the Australian Institute of Sport’s NBA Global Academy.

WA’s Kyle Bowen, 18, was also part of that program and joined Swaka Lo Buluk as a Wildcats development player.

The pair have represented Australia at under-age level and played for the Wildcats during the pre-season when a large portion of the squad was on international duties.

Swaka Lo Buluk said all of those experiences had been crucial.

“The pre-season was good,” he said.

“They were bigger bodies and a lot faster because we were playing against grown men.

“I’ve grown up a lot off the court. You have to be pro-active and on time.

“It’s the same expectations they have here. You have to be a professional.”
]]>SportsSPosthttp://torrentinvitez.com/showthread.php?44697-Late-bucket-caps-off-wild-debut-for-teenager-Wani-Swaka-Lo-Buluk-with-Perth-WildcatsNick Kay ready for next shot at quelling superstar Sydney King Andrew Boguthttp://torrentinvitez.com/showthread.php?44696-Nick-Kay-ready-for-next-shot-at-quelling-superstar-Sydney-King-Andrew-Bogut&goto=newpost
Wed, 12 Dec 2018 12:06:55 GMTPerth Wildcats star Nick Kay believes the experience gained from playing against Andrew Bogut last week will be crucial during Friday night’s return...Perth Wildcats star Nick Kay believes the experience gained from playing against Andrew Bogut last week will be crucial during Friday night’s return match with the Sydney Kings at RAC Arena.

Bogut started well during Sydney’s 77-72 win last Thursday night. Six of his 10 points came in the first quarter and he also finished the game with six rebounds and three blocks. The powerful big man followed that performance with 23 points, 16 rebounds and two blocks against New Zealand on Sunday.

Kay said the Wildcats would have a better idea of how to reduce his impact this week.

“It was our first time playing Sydney so you pick up a few things. You can only see so much on tape,” Kay said.

“To actually go against a few of the guys was a good experience. Hopefully we’ve learnt from that and we’ll have a better game on Friday. He has a huge impact on the game.

“He’s a great defender and takes up a lot of the key.

“It’s about moving the ball offensively. I think we were a bit stagnant.

“If we can fix that, hopefully we’ll have a better result.”

The Wildcats are on top of the ladder but face a heavyweight weekend with their clash against Sydney followed by an away game against second-placed Melbourne on Monday.

Strong performances would give Perth a clear break over the rest of the league but losses would open the door for the Kings and United.

The Wildcats demolished Cairns by 22 points on Sunday and Kay said the players were eagerly anticipating this week’s games.

“We want those challenges,” he said. “There’s no point going into games and winning by 30. You want the challenges and you want to get better every game.”

Bryce Cotton showed his thumb had recovered well from the game against Cairns by training yesterday.
]]>SportsSPosthttp://torrentinvitez.com/showthread.php?44696-Nick-Kay-ready-for-next-shot-at-quelling-superstar-Sydney-King-Andrew-BogutMurray Bridge’s Alex Bolt into semis of Australian Open wildcard playoffhttp://torrentinvitez.com/showthread.php?44695-Murray-Bridge’s-Alex-Bolt-into-semis-of-Australian-Open-wildcard-playoff&goto=newpost
Wed, 12 Dec 2018 12:06:16 GMTMurray Bridge left-hander Alex Bolt has moved into the semi-finals of the Australian Open wildcard tournament and looks poised to make another main...Murray Bridge left-hander Alex Bolt has moved into the semi-finals of the Australian Open wildcard tournament and looks poised to make another main draw appearance at the Australian major.

Top-seed Bolt, who has played in the singles draw of the Australian Open for the past two years, on Wednesday beat the fifth-seeded Akira Santillan to move into the final four of the 16-player draw.

He was steaming home, winning 6-2, 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-0.

On the other half of the draw, second seed John Patrick Smith was bundled out by No. 6 seed Maverick Banes in their-quarter final in a five-setter.

Bolt is ranked No. 155 in the world and will still have the option to go through the qualifying of the Australian Open if he doesn’t win a main draw wildcard in the playoff.

He now faces fellow South Australian Luke Saville who beat Victorian Dayne Kelly in four sets 7-5, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (3).
]]>SportsSPosthttp://torrentinvitez.com/showthread.php?44695-Murray-Bridge’s-Alex-Bolt-into-semis-of-Australian-Open-wildcard-playoffWildcard hunt begins at Melbourne Parkhttp://torrentinvitez.com/showthread.php?44694-Wildcard-hunt-begins-at-Melbourne-Park&goto=newpost
Wed, 12 Dec 2018 12:05:33 GMTAkira Santillan was the first winner as the Australian Open wildcard playoffs began in Melbourne on Monday.
The week-long tournament gives...Akira Santillan was the first winner as the Australian Open wildcard playoffs began in Melbourne on Monday.

The week-long tournament gives Australians who fell short of the rankings cut-off for the Melbourne Park major a chance to win a coveted place in the main singles draws.

Last year's men's winner, Alex de Minaur, used the playoff as a springboard to begin a stunning rise in the rankings that saw him finish 2018 as Australia's top-ranked male player.

Santillan, a Tokyo-born 21-year-old, is gunning for his first main-draw entry at a grand slam.

The world No.334 fell almost 200 places this year but defeated Victorian Jacob Grills 6-1 7-5 6-4 in under two hours on Monday morning.

John-Patrick Smith, the 16-strong field's second seed, joined Santillan in the quarter-finals with a 6-2 7-5 5-7 6-3 win over Jeremy Beale.

The 29-year-old Far North Queenslander is hoping to make it through to his second Australian Open singles draw, having fallen in the final stage of qualifying for the past two years.

The world's top 102 women and top 101 men have all confirmed they will compete at the year's first grand slam, a field that includes 10 locals.

The Australian men to have sealed their place include world No.31 de Minaur, Nick Kyrgios (35), John Millman (38), Matthew Ebden (46), Jordan Thompson (72) and Bernard Tomic (83).

Women's singles action begins on Tuesday, with both playoff finals taking place on the weekend.
]]>SportsSPosthttp://torrentinvitez.com/showthread.php?44694-Wildcard-hunt-begins-at-Melbourne-ParkWhat Corey Norman’s move could mean for the Dragons and the Eelshttp://torrentinvitez.com/showthread.php?44693-What-Corey-Norman’s-move-could-mean-for-the-Dragons-and-the-Eels&goto=newpost
Wed, 12 Dec 2018 12:04:27 GMTParramatta five-eighth Corey Norman is expected to sign with the Dragons in the next 48 hours, which will bring about swift change at both clubs.
...Parramatta five-eighth Corey Norman is expected to sign with the Dragons in the next 48 hours, which will bring about swift change at both clubs.

The biggest question mark is over the Dragons, who will have three playmakers on their books for at least the 2019 season, joining star halves Ben Hunt and Gareth Widdop.

Norman, who had a year to forget at the Eels in 2018, is a multiskilled player who can move into fullback for the Dragons, where he has played 32 NRL games.

Star five-eighth Widdop has previously expressed a desire to return to England, although the skipper is not expected to leave the Dragons before the end of the 2019 season.

The recruitment of Norman, 27, on a three-year-deal, is a smart move for the Dragons should Widdop decide to return home to the English Super League in 2020.

However, it leaves young fullback Matt Dufty in the lurch. Dufty has played 33 games for the club at fullback, but could be moved to the wing to make way for the more experienced Norman. Or, he could be left out of the team altogether.

There is a position on the wing left by Nene Macdonald, who has been released to the Cowboys, as well as club legend Jason Nightingale who retired at the end of the season.

The addition of Norman adds much needed depth to the Dragons backs, with Dufty, rising centre Zac Lomax and fellow 2018 debutant Jordan Pereira to fight for the two positions.

The Dragons have a huge opinion of Lomax, who has been touted as a future State of Origin star, but he could be forced to play reserve grade if Dufty or Pereira snatches a wing spot.

For the Eels, the transfer frees up some much-needed salary cap space to take to market.

Norman was reportedly earning around $900,000 per season with Parramatta, and although the Dragons are unlikely to have picked up the total cost of his contract for 2019, it gives the Eels some space in their cap.

The Eels were believed to have been shopping around big-money stars Norman and centre Michael Jennings in order to find money to re-sign Jarryd Hayne. However, the two-time Dally M Medal winner is now facing serious sexual assault charges and is unlikely to get another NRL contract.

Moving Norman on also solves a backline puzzle the Eels would have been facing in 2019, allowing Bevan French to return to fullback and Clint Gutherson to move into the halves.

Wingers Blake Ferguson and George Jennings will take their spots next to centres Josh Hoffman and Jennings, who is now likely to remain at the club to see out the end of his contract.

Potential 2019 line-ups:

Eels
1 Bevan French

2 Blake Ferguson

3 Michael Jennings

4 Josh Hoffman

5 George Jennings

6 Clint Gutherson

7 Mitchell Moses

8 Junior Paulo

9 Kaysa Pritchard

10 Daniel Alvaro

11 Manu Ma’u

12 Tepai Moeroa

13 Nathan Brown

14 Shaun Lane

15 Ray Stone

16 Tim Mannah

17 Brad Takairangi

Dragons
1 Corey Norman

2 Matt Dufty

3 Euan Aitken

4 Tim Lafai

5 Jordan Pereira

6 Gareth Widdop

7 Ben Hunt

8 James Graham

9 Cameron McInnes

10 Paul Vaughan

11 Tyson Frizell

12 Tariq Sims

13 Jack de Belin

14 Korbin Sims

15 Blake Lawrie

16 Jacob Host

17 Luciano Leilua
]]>SportsSPosthttp://torrentinvitez.com/showthread.php?44693-What-Corey-Norman’s-move-could-mean-for-the-Dragons-and-the-EelsSt George Illawarra Dragons set to sign Parramatta Eels star Corey Normanhttp://torrentinvitez.com/showthread.php?44692-St-George-Illawarra-Dragons-set-to-sign-Parramatta-Eels-star-Corey-Norman&goto=newpost
Wed, 12 Dec 2018 12:02:05 GMTTHE Dragons are set to land one of the most significant signing coups of the off-season with Parramatta playmaker Corey Norman expected to sign a...THE Dragons are set to land one of the most significant signing coups of the off-season with Parramatta playmaker Corey Norman expected to sign a three-year deal in the Red V within the next 48 hours.

The move will strengthen the St George Illawarra roster immensely with the Red V set to have Ben Hunt, Gareth Widdop and Norman all sharing playmaking responsibilities.

Norman, 27, is expected to play fullback or five-eighth, which will throw up questions about current Dragons no.1 Matt Dufty.

Eels powerbrokers held a recruitment meeting on Tuesday where the future of Norman was top of the agenda.

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur and recruitment manager Peter Sharp are both big Norman supporters and are happy to see the playmaker get the chance to reignite his career at the Dragons.

The Dragons will sign Norman on a three-year deal, which will provide them with well-balanced playmaking depth if captain Gareth Widdop opts to return to the UK Super League in 2020.

Widdop has guaranteed he will be at the Dragons next season but may decide to return home to England beyond that.

Norman’s agent Paul Sutton is currently overseas but has been working overtime to ensure the deal gets done.

Sutton also looks after Dragons captain Widdop. The Dragons had previously made a play for Jarryd Hayne but went cold.

Norman joined the Eels in 2014 and helped steer the club into the 2017 finals before Parramatta flopped last season.

The talented playmaker had a series of run-ins with management at the Eels and was given a breach notice for drinking while injured in August.

If a deal fails to be reached by the weekend then it may take until early January before Norman officially becomes a Dragon.

The Eels are playing hard ball around the fine print terms of Norman’s release with the sticking point believed to be about $75,000.

Irrespective, Norman will be a Dragon next season. All that remains is the negotiating process around when he will officially appear at the Dragons Wollongong headquarters.

If the Dragons can get Norman right, there is no questioning his talent.
]]>SportsSPosthttp://torrentinvitez.com/showthread.php?44692-St-George-Illawarra-Dragons-set-to-sign-Parramatta-Eels-star-Corey-Norman